Vitaros Cream

What is Vitaros Cream?

Vitaros is a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) that comes as a cream rather than a tablet. It contains alprostadil, a medicine used to improve blood flow to the penis. Vitaros offers an alternative for men who cannot take oral ED treatments or prefer a local option that acts directly at the site of application.

The cream is supplied in single-use AccuDose containers designed for straightforward use. Because it's applied at the tip of the penis, Vitaros works without needing to be swallowed, limiting the systemic side effects associated with oral alternatives.

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the medical name for the inability to achieve and maintain an erection. Whilst occasional difficulty maintaining an erection may be normal, regularly struggling to get an erection can have a significant impact on a man's confidence and sexual well-being. Erectile dysfunction can also be a sign of an underlying health condition. Seek advice from your doctor if you are struggling with ED.

Erectile dysfunction is far more common than most people believe, affecting over half of men at some point during their lives. There is no singular cause of ED, rather a combination of risk factors that can increase your risk of developing it. Some of the most common risk factors include genetics, underlying medical conditions, medication side effects, stress, obesity, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Whilst lifestyle changes can reduce your risk, they aren't a substitute for a thorough medical evaluation.

How Does Vitaros Cream Work?

Vitaros ED cream works by delivering alprostadil directly to the opening of the penis. Alprostadil belongs to a group of medicines called prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) analogues, which naturally help relax blood vessels. When applied as a cream, it's absorbed into the erectile tissue, where it relaxes smooth muscle and widens the blood vessels in the penis. This allows more blood to flow in, helping you achieve a firm erection.

Because Vitaros acts locally, it takes effect right where it's needed rather than travelling through the digestive system. This makes it different from oral ED treatments such as sildenafil or tadalafil and can be helpful for men who cannot take tablets or experience side effects from them. Its targeted action also avoids some systemic effects seen with oral ED medicines.

How Long Does Vitaros Cream Take to Work?

Most men start noticing the effects of Vitaros cream within 5 to 30 minutes, though the timing can vary. You may find that you notice the effects of Vitaros faster if you engage in masturbation or sexually stimulating foreplay with a partner.

How Long Does Vitaros Last?

The standard dose of Vitaros (1 container, 300 micrograms of alprostadil) can help you maintain an erection for 1-2 hours. Whilst an erection is easier to get over this time, sexual arousal can help this process. Do not use more than 1 container per application.

How long Vitaros lasts for can also vary from person to person. Seek advice from your doctor if you are unsure if Vitaros is right for you.

Does Vitaros Cream Work for Erectile Dysfunction?

Clinical studies show that Vitaros can be an effective option for men experiencing erectile dysfunction, particularly those who cannot use standard oral treatments. In an integrated analysis of two Phase III trials involving over 1700 men, Vitaros significantly improved erectile function scores compared with placebo. Many participants reported better erection quality, improved ability to maintain erections, and higher satisfaction during intercourse.

In two Phase II placebo-controlled studies, men using alprostadil cream experienced meaningful improvements in successful intercourse attempts compared with placebo. Response rates were especially encouraging in men with mild to moderate ED, although men with severe ED also saw benefits. The findings support Vitaros as a viable alternative for a wide range of men, including those with health conditions that may limit options.

Clinical trials also highlight that Vitaros begins working quickly, with many men noticing an effect within minutes (5-30 minutes). Its local action helps avoid some of the systemic side effects associated with oral PDE5 inhibitors. While results vary from person to person, research consistently shows improved erectile function, increased rigidity, and overall satisfaction with Vitaros cream.

Although alprostadil has a long history of medical use, more real-world studies continue to evaluate how Vitaros performs across different patient groups.

How to Use Vitaros Cream

Apply Vitaros exactly as instructed using the single-use AccuDose container. It is recommended that you urinate before applying Vitaros. Apply 5-30 minutes before attempting intercourse by following these instructions:

1. Wash your hands before applying. Remove the container from the sachet, saving the sachet for disposing of the used container later.
2. Bring the container to room temperature by rolling it between your hands.
3. Twist the plunger several times to ensure it will glide easily. Remove the cap.
4. Hold the tip of your penis and gently squeeze to widen the opening at the tip of your penis. If you are not circumcised, gently retract your foreskin first.
5. Hold the barrel of the container between your fingers and, without inserting it inside the penis, place the tip as close as possible to the opening at the tip of the penis. Slowly push the plunger with your thumb until all the cream is expelled into the tip of the penis.
6. Hold the penis in an upright position for 30 seconds. It is likely that some of the cream will not fit into the opening of the penis. Any excess cream covering the penis can be gently moved into the opening at the tip of the penis with a finger. Do not use a second container to compensate for any spilt Vitaros cream. Do not urinate immediately after application.
7. Each container is suitable for a single administration only. Replace the cap and place it inside the opened foil sachet. Discard responsibly.
8. Vitaros may be irritating to the eyes. Wash your hands after applying Vitaros.

Vitaros should be kept out of reach of children. Store Vitaros in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C) until you need to use it. Do not freeze Vitaros. Unopened sachets can be kept out of the refrigerator below 25°C for up to 3 days. At the end of this period, the product should be discarded if not used.

If You Apply Too Much Vitaros Cream

Using too much Vitaros ED cream could result in adverse reactions, including fainting, dizziness, a drop in blood pressure, persistent pain in the penis, and a possible prolonged erection that lasts for longer than 4 hours. This could lead to permanent worsening of erectile function. It's essential to seek medical attention promptly if you notice any of these symptoms.

Vitaros Cream Side Effects

Like any medication, Vitaros cream can cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them. If you do notice any adverse reactions, seek advice from your doctor.

Possible Vitaros cream side effects include:

Please note that the above is not a complete list of potential Vitaros cream side effects. More information can be found within the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the medication. If you do experience any adverse reactions to the treatment, you can also report them using the MHRA's Yellow Card Scheme.

Increased sexual activity may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with underlying disease or risk factors.

Vitaros Side Effects on a Partner

Vitaros cream may affect a partner, causing unwanted side effects. A female partner may experience mild vaginal burning, itching, or vaginitis (common side effects). This may be due to the effect of the drug or vaginal penetration. Using a water-based lubricant may make vaginal penetration easier. Vulvovaginal pruritus is an uncommon side effect.

There are no documented side effects associated with penetrative anal sex or on a male partner. The effects of Vitaros on oral or anal tissue have not been studied. If side effects in a partner do occur, seek advice from your doctor. You may find that using a condom limits exposure to Vitaros cream. Only latex condoms have been studied to ensure safety when used alongside Vitaros.

Vitaros Cream Prescription Criteria

Vitaros can be prescribed for adult men with erectile dysfunction. It may be a particularly effective alternative for men who cannot take or are unable to tolerate oral ED tablets. A clinician will assess your medical history to confirm safety. Vitaros cream isn't suitable for everyone, and several alternative erectile dysfunction treatments are available.

Most men are prescribed one Vitaros container (300 micrograms of alprostadil) to be used 5 to 30 minutes before attempting intercourse. Do not alter the dose unless specifically instructed by your prescriber. Do not apply more than 2-3 times a week and only once per 24-hour period.

Vitaros ED Cream Warnings and Precautions

Vitaros cream is an effective erectile dysfunction treatment when used correctly. The following safety information should be consulted to ensure that Vitaros is right for you. Speak to a healthcare professional for further advice on erectile dysfunction treatments.

Who Should Not Use Vitaros Cream?

Vitaros may not be suitable for everyone. Do not use Vitaros if:

• You have an underlying disorder causing a drop in blood pressure when standing, or have a history of heart attack or syncope (fainting)
• You are allergic to alprostadil or any other ingredient
• You have a condition that might result in a long-lasting erection (priapism), or a condition such as sickle cell anaemia or trait, thrombocythemia, polycythemia, multiple myeloma, or leukaemia
• You have a deformity of the penis
• You have inflammation or infection of the penis
• You are prone to venous thrombosis
• You have hyperviscosity syndrome
• You have been told not to have sex for health reasons
• Your partner is pregnant, may become pregnant, or is breastfeeding, unless you use a condom barrier

Precautions Before Starting Vitaros

Seek advice from your doctor before using Vitaros cream if you have ever experienced an erection lasting longer than 4 hours, have a history of symptomatic low blood pressure, or have reduced liver or kidney function. A clinician will be able to advise you of any precautions you may need to take or whether an alternative treatment may be more appropriate.

Vitaros and Other Medications

Tell your prescriber if you are taking or have recently taken any prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, or herbal remedies. Do not use Vitaros alongside other erectile dysfunction treatments without first seeking advice from a healthcare professional. The use of Vitaros alongside other ED medications has not been studied and may increase the risk of experiencing side effects, including dizziness, fainting, and painful, prolonged erections.

Vitaros may be less effective when used with treatments for high blood pressure, decongestants, or appetite suppressants. In combination with high blood pressure medication, Vitaros use may increase symptoms of dizziness and fainting, especially in older persons.

If you are taking drugs to prevent blood clots, do not take Vitaros, as there may be an increased risk for bleeding or blood found in the urine.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Fertility

There is no data on the effect of Vitaros in pregnant women. As such, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not be exposed to Vitaros. Exposure should be avoided if your partner is breastfeeding. If your partner does come into contact with Vitaros cream, seek advice from your doctor.

It is not known whether Vitaros affects male fertility. Infertility is not a recognised side effect of Vitaros use. If you are trying to conceive, seek advice from your doctor before using Vitaros cream.

Where to Buy Vitaros Cream in the UK

In the UK, Vitaros cream can be bought from licensed pharmacies with a valid prescription. A clinician will need to review your health and medications to ensure they are right for you. You should always buy prescription medications from a reputable pharmacy that you can trust.

The General Pharmaceutical Council keeps an up-to-date register of licensed pharmacies.

Can You Buy Vitaros Over the Counter?

You cannot buy Vitaros over the counter in the UK. You will need to have a prescription from a suitably trained clinician. This is to ensure access to Vitaros remains safely regulated and that it is the right medication for you.

At Prescription Doctor, our expert clinicians will review your short online consultation to ensure Vitaros is suitable for your unique health needs.

Can You Get Vitaros Cream on the NHS?

Vitaros cream is generally not prescribed by NHS GPs. To get an NHS prescription, you will generally need to be reviewed by a hospital specialist and will only be prescribed Vitaros if you meet certain clinical criteria. Be aware that local restrictions and funding requirements may differ.

Can You Buy Vitaros Cream Online?

Yes, you can buy Vitaros cream online from reputable pharmacies like Prescription Doctor. If you're concerned about making an appointment to obtain your treatment, there's no need to worry. With us, you can complete a brief questionnaire at any time from your own home. It's that straightforward.

Our clinicians will then review your information to determine if Vitaros cream is suitable for your circumstances. If approved, our General Pharmaceutical Council-registered pharmacy will dispatch your medication in plain packaging for complete discretion. Orders approved before 3pm on a weekday are also eligible for next-day delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vitaros Cream